In this episode, Dr. Pete Olusoga, host of the podcast "Eighty Percent Mental" joins host Davd Smith to discuss the book, "The Last Season: A Team in Search for its Soul" by Phil Jackson. Here's our top three takeaways...

🏀 Emotional Intelligence in Coaching: Phil Jackson demonstrated exceptional emotional intelligence by understanding and managing the complex personalities of star players like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, adapting his approach throughout the season and treating players as human beings with individual needs.

🏀 Team Dynamics and Ego Management: The book reveals the challenges of managing high-profile athletes with strong egos, showing how Jackson had to use various strategies (including mind games and involving veteran players) to motivate and align Kobe and Shaq towards team goals.

🏀 Talent vs. Team Unity: Despite winning three previous championships, the Lakers' success was more about individual talent than true team cohesion. The ongoing personal conflicts between Shaq and Kobe ultimately contributed to the breakdown of the team's performance and the end of their championship dynasty.

Get in touch with Dr. Pete Olusoga

Twitter: @Pete_Olusoga / @EPMPodcast

TikTok: @dr_pete_olusoga

Instagram: @dr_pete_oluosga / @eightypercentmental

Get in touch with David Smith

Website: ⁠⁠https://www.stonewallperformance.com ⁠⁠

LinkedIn: @bttrflyr ⁠⁠

Instagram: @stonewallperformance⁠ / @FitwithPRIDE

YouTube: @stonewallperformance

In this episode, Danielle Beardsley joins host Davd Smith to discuss "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain". Dr. John Ratey.

Here's our top three takeaways...

1. Exercise is a powerful tool for brain health, acting as "miracle grow" for the brain by increasing BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which enhances neuroplasticity and supports mental performance across various populations.

2. Physical activity is a critical intervention for mental health, helping to manage conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and addiction by regulating brain chemistry and providing a natural, effective form of treatment.

3. Exercise doesn't have to be intense or traditional - any movement matters. The key is finding enjoyable, sustainable ways to be active, whether it's walking, playing games, or integrating movement into daily tasks, which can significantly improve cognitive function and overall well-being.

Get in touch with Danielle Beardsley

• Website: https://www.creativegrowthcenter.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-beardsley-lcpc-cadc-atr-cmpc-4b863743/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforcreativegrowth

Get in touch with David Smith

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.stonewallperformance.com⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bttrflyr
• ⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonewallperformance
• ⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/stonewallperformance

In this episode, Heather Cribbin joins host Davd Smith to discuss "Mindset" by Dr. Carol Dweck.

Here's our top three takeaways...

1. Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: The book explores two different approaches to learning and challenges. A growth mindset focuses on continuous learning, effort, and personal development, while a fixed mindset is rooted in fear of failure and proving oneself.
2. Process Over Outcome: The discussion emphasizes the importance of valuing the process of learning and improvement, rather than solely focusing on end results or comparing oneself to others. This approach helps build resilience, confidence, and a more positive approach to challenges.
3. Mindset is Adaptable: The book suggests that people can have different mindsets in various areas of life, and with awareness and effort, one can shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. This approach promotes optimism, risk-taking, and personal growth across different domains of life.

Get in touch with Heather Cribbin

• Email: heather@heathercribbincoaching.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cribbin/

Get in touch with David Smith

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.stonewallperformance.com⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bttrflyr
• ⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonewallperformance
• ⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/stonewallperformance

In this episode, Henrik Herrebrøden joins host Davd Smith to discuss "How We Learn to Move" by Rob Gray, PhD.

Here's our top three takeaways...

1. Context Matters: Here we emphasized the importance of practicing skills in realistic, varied contexts rather than isolated, repetitive environments. Athletes learn best when training simulates real-world conditions and challenges.

2. Athlete-Centered Approach: Coaches should guide athletes to discover solutions themselves. Setting up constraints and environments that allow athletes to explore and learn, rather than dictating every move. This approach promotes creativity, autonomy, and deeper understanding.

3. Embrace Variability and Errors: Learning occurs through making mistakes and practicing skills with variation. Instead of seeking perfect technique or identical repetitions, athletes should practice with slight differences that help them adapt and develop more flexible, robust skills.

Get in touch with Henrik Herrebrøden

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.henrikh.no/

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrik-herrebr%C3%B8den-003861119/

Get in touch with David Smith

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.stonewallperformance.com⁠⁠
• LinkedIn Profile: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bttrflyr
• ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stonewallperformance ⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stonewallperformance⁠

In this episode, Adina Budriga, Flow & Mindset Coach joins host Davd Smith to discuss "The Rise of Superman" by Steven Kotler.

Here's our top three takeaways...

1. Flow as a Tool, Not Just an Outcome: While many see flow as a destination, it serves as a practical tool for skill development, enhancing attention, and working through fears. This perspective makes flow more accessible, applicable, and enjoyable as a process.
2. The Flow Cycle is Essential: The importance of the complete flow cycle (struggle, release, flow, recovery), emphasizes that recovery is often overlooked but critical for sustainable performance and preventing injury.
3. Flow Transcends Domains: Flow principles apply across diverse contexts - from extreme sports to team athletics, religious experiences to everyday challenges. This universality makes flow concepts valuable in various coaching and personal development settings.If you liked our show, remember to Rate and Review us! Help us learn how to improve and grow!

Get in touch with Adina Budriga, Flow & Mindset Coach

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.withflowinmind.com⁠

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adinabudriga/⁠
• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/withflowinmind/

Get in touch with David Smith

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.stonewallperformance.com⁠⁠
• LinkedIn Profile: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bttrflyr ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stonewallperformance ⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stonewallperformance⁠
  

In this episode, Dr. Brian Lomax joins host David Smith to discuss "The Score Takes Care of Itself" by Bill Walsh.

Here are the top three takeaways:

• 1. Focus on the Process, Not the Score

  Walsh believed that if you build a "Standard of Performance" — detailed, disciplined attention to every small action and behavior — then success (the score) would naturally follow. Winning is the byproduct of doing things the right way, not the immediate goal.

  2. Leadership is About Teaching and Setting Standards

• Great leaders aren't just motivators — they're teachers. Walsh emphasized the importance of clear expectations, constant communication, and the development of a system where everyone knows what "excellence" looks like, down to the smallest detail.

  3. Prepare for the Unexpected and Stay Resilient

  Walsh talks a lot about "contingency planning" — preparing deeply for adversity and uncertainty. True leadership shows in crisis moments, and being mentally and operationally prepared is a huge part of sustaining success under pressure

  If you liked our show, remember to Rate and Review us! Help us learn how to improve and grow!

• Get in touch with Dr. Brian Lomax

  • Website: https://performancextra.com
  • LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lomax-7a7335/
  • Podcast: Tennis IQ Podcast
  • Book: The Mentally Tough Competitor

  Get in touch with David Smith

  • Website: https://www.stonewallperformance.com
  • LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bttrflyr
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonewallperformance
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stonewallperformance